reform

Pronunciation: /rɪˈfɔːm/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of reform

reform (verb): To make changes to an institution, practice, or system in order to correct faults, improve efficiency, or achieve a better state.

Example: The government vowed to reform the outdated healthcare system to better serve its citizens.

Best for: common-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "revise" or "rectify"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of reform

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: reformare

Original meaning: to reshape, reform

How it evolved: Initially used in the context of moral or institutional improvement, especially in religious and political contexts during the Middle Ages.

The word 'reform' originates from Latin, combining 're-' (again) and 'formare' (to shape), implying the act of reshaping or improving something.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember reform

Think of 're-form' as reshaping or forming something again—a second chance to make it better, just like reforming laws or habits.

Synonyms for reform

Antonyms of reform

reform in a Sentence

  1. The government vowed to reform the outdated healthcare system to better serve its citizens.
  2. The educator's innovative ideas helped reform traditional teaching methods, making them more effective and engaging.
  3. After years of public outcry, the company decided to reform its environmental policies to align with sustainable practices.

reform in Literature & Culture

The word 'reform' is widely used in literature and political speeches, especially in discussions about societal progress, such as Martin Luther King Jr.'s advocacy for civil rights reform.

Usage Notes

The term 'reform' often carries a positive connotation, implying improvement or progress. However, it can also imply significant disruption, especially in political or institutional contexts.

Why reform Matters for GRE & SAT

The word 'reform' frequently appears in GRE reading passages about politics, education, or social change, making it essential for test-takers to understand its nuanced usage and synonyms.

Word Family

reformation (noun)
The act of reforming or the state of being reformed.
reformer (noun)
A person who advocates for or implements reforms.
reformist (noun)
Someone who supports gradual reform rather than abrupt change.

Did You Know?

  • The Protestant Reformation (1517–1648) was a major historical movement that reshaped Christianity in Europe, illustrating the profound impact of the concept of reform.
  • Abraham Lincoln famously said, 'Reform is not pleasant, but grievous; no person can reform themselves without suffering and hard work.'
  • Reform movements in the 19th century, such as women's suffrage and abolitionism, significantly influenced societal progress.
  • refine
  • Recalcitrant — Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude; stubbornly resistant to authority.
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • ramification — A consequence of an action or event, especially a complex one
  • rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way

More Vocabulary Words Starting with R

  • Recalcitrant — Having an obstinately uncooperative attitude; stubbornly resistant to authority.
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
  • radical — far-reaching; major
  • radical — Relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something
  • ramification — A consequence of an action or event, especially a complex one
  • ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
  • ramification — a consequence or resulting action of a previous event
  • rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way
  • rampant — Spreading unchecked; flourishing in an unwelcome way